Individually adaptive computer-based image recognition and interpretation training improves diagnosis of gallbladder diseases in PoCUS application – a pilot study
Stefan Michel, Gebhard Mathis, Manuela Lehmann, Florian Recker, Alex Kunz, Joseph J. Osterwalder · Ultraschall in der Medizin - European Journal of Ultrasound · 2023
Einleitung und Fragestellung Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is spreading rapidly due to its intuitive and simple applicability as well as low prices. The danger of using it without appropriate training is great . The need for high-quality theoretical and practical education and training can hardly be met by conventional means due to lack of available resources. Thus, new, and innovative forms of education without great organizational and personnel efforts are urgently needed. A possibility already validated in other areas such as airport security is offered here with an image recognition and interpretation training to enhance the quality of PoCUS. Our goal is to investigate whether this method is also useful in the context of training to detect gallbladder diseases by means of PoCUS. Material und Methodik We examined the utility of computer-based image recognition and interpretation training ([ Fig. 1 ]) for gallbladder diseases in PoCUS with 46 medical students. We developed a reliable and valid test to objectively measure diagnostic competence. This test was used before and after the image recognition and interpretation training. One experimental group participated in only classical teaching session while the other group engaged in additional recognition and interpretation training. A control group underwent the competency assessment tests but did not receive any training. Fig.1 Interface of image recognition and interpretation training Ergebnisse Our results show that active learning for only 40 minutes with a computer-based training significantly increased image recognition and interpretation performance by 50% ( p <.001) from the first to the second test whereas no significant increase was observed for the other groups. Zusammenfassung A computer-based image recognition and interpretation training is more effective than a classic form of education. Moreover, a reliable and valid competency assessment test could be used to measure image recognition and interpretation objectively and offers a possibility to certify people who have completed PoCUS courses. Publication History Article published online: 29 August 2023 © 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany